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Compare Section 80C instruments side-by-side. Returns, lock-in, risk, and tax benefits — all in one view.
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| Feature | 🏛️ NPS | 🔒 PPF | 📈 ELSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock-in Period | Until 60 | 15 years | 3 years |
| Risk Level | Moderate | Zero | High |
| Tax Benefit | ₹2L (80C + 80CCD) | ₹1.5L (80C) | ₹1.5L (80C) |
| Expected Returns | 9-12% (market-linked) | 7.1% (govt-set) | 12-15% (market-linked) |
| Liquidity | Low — locked till 60 | Partial from year 7 | High after 3 years |
| Annuity Requirement | ≥20% annuitised (govt: ≥40%) | No requirement | No requirement |
Pro Tip
Most financial planners recommend a mix: ₹50K in NPS (extra ₹50K 80CCD benefit), ₹50K in ELSS (highest growth, shortest lock-in), and the rest in PPF (guaranteed returns, zero risk). This diversifies your tax-saving portfolio across risk levels.
Richify AI analyses your income, risk tolerance, and goals to recommend the ideal NPS/PPF/ELSS split.
Download Richify — 7-day free trialIt depends on your goals. PPF: guaranteed returns (~7.1%), 15-year lock-in, zero risk.
ELSS: market-linked (~12-15% historically), 3-year lock-in, moderate risk. NPS: market-linked (~9-12%), locked until 60, additional ₹50K tax benefit.
Most advisors suggest a mix of all three.
Section 80C allows deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh per year. This includes EPF, PPF, ELSS, NPS (Tier 1), life insurance premium, SCSS, 5-year FD, tuition fees, and home loan principal repayment.
At 30% tax bracket, ₹1.5 lakh deduction saves ₹46,800 in tax.
Yes. Beyond the ₹1.5 lakh Section 80C limit, NPS Tier 1 allows additional ₹50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).
This makes the total NPS tax benefit up to ₹2 lakh. At 30% bracket, the extra ₹50K saves another ₹15,600.
PPF: 15 years (partial withdrawal from year 7). ELSS: 3 years (shortest among 80C options).
NPS: Until age 60 (partial withdrawal allowed for specific purposes after 3 years). EPF: Until retirement or resignation.
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